A Milestone for the Badgers
Cole Caufield, a former University of Wisconsin standout, captured the NHL’s Lady Byng Trophy, an award that honors both sportsmanship and elite play. His 51 goals during the regular season not only established a new benchmark for Badgers in the league but also made him only the second player in school history to reach the half‑century mark.
What set his campaign apart was discipline; he accumulated only seven minor penalties, the fewest among the top‑25 scorers, underscoring his ability to blend physicality with respect for the game.
His contributions helped the Montreal Canadiens advance to the Eastern Conference Final, extending the reach of Wisconsin‑trained talent on the biggest stage of professional hockey.
Caufield’s achievement adds to a proud tradition of Badgers who have excelled in the NHL, a lineage that includes Gary Suter, the 1986 Calder Trophy winner, and goaltenders Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak, who captured the William Jennings Trophy in 2012.
The recognition also places him ahead of finalists such as Anze Kopitar and Jake Sanderson, highlighting the competitive edge of his season and reinforcing the university’s reputation for developing well‑rounded players.
Beyond the personal accolade, the award shines a light on the University of Wisconsin’s enduring impact on the sport, a legacy that continues to attract top talent and shape the next generation of NHL stars.